Panel Member

Panel Member

Volunteer Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Fostering Panel to support children in care through monthly meetings and discussions.
  • Company: TACT is the UK's largest fostering charity, dedicated to providing loving families for vulnerable children.
  • Benefits: Earn £200 per panel meeting, with training and additional events included.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of children in care while working with a passionate team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in foster care or social work is essential; IT literacy required for online meetings.
  • Other info: Attend at least 15 days per year, with potential travel for annual events.

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

At least 15 days per year - plus training and additional events. £200 per Panel Meeting.

Are you an experienced panel member with a care experienced background or a social work background? Do you want to use your expertise and passion to benefit children and young people currently in care? TACT is currently seeking an experienced panel member with a care experienced background or a registered social worker to join our Fostering Panel in Scotland.

TACT is the UK’s largest fostering charity and has been providing loving families for vulnerable children and young people across the country for over 30 years. Our reputation and growth rests upon our strength in providing successful placements. As a charity, we do not have shareholders who receive profits - we invest all of our surplus income into service, staff, carers, and children’s development.

We are looking for an experienced panel member who has experience of being looked after in a foster family or residential care, or a registered social worker. The successful applicants must be IT literate, as documentation is shared at online meetings on a monthly basis. The Panel meets using Microsoft Teams on the second Tuesday of each month, but occasionally additional meetings may also be scheduled, depending on business needs. The successful candidate may need to travel to attend an annual panel business day in person and other occasional meetings and training.

In line with our values, we expect fostering panel members to ensure that all decisions are made with regard to the interest of 'children in care', foster carers, and the community in which they live. We welcome candidates who are passionate about the success of fostering services and the outcomes for our children and young people.

Successful candidates will be responsible for the following Fostering Panel Member duties:

  • Reading the meeting documents carefully before the meeting and to attend the meeting prepared to raise issues and to contribute to the panel discussion.
  • Participating in the making of recommendations on each case, drawing on both personal and professional knowledge and experience.
  • To attend at least 75 per cent of meetings of the panel.
  • To be prepared to attend additional panels, if possible, if requested.
  • To participate, with other panel members, in advising on policy and procedural matters as required.
  • To address diversity issues and promote anti-discriminatory practice.
  • To safeguard the confidentiality of all panel papers and panel discussions.
  • To participate in panel induction and in panel training, which will be at least one day per year.
  • To participate constructively in the annual review of their panel membership, if this is an agency requirement.

A Standard DBS check clearance is required for this role. This check will be undertaken by TACT on your behalf. You will also be required to have professional membership of a relevant body if you are a social worker.

Closing Date: Midnight on Tuesday 17th June 2025.

Interview Date: Friday 4th July 2025.

TACT reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.

Safeguarding is everyone’s business and TACT believe that only the people with the right skills and values should work in social work. As part of TACT’s commitment to safeguarding, we properly examine the skills, experience, qualifications, and values of potential staff in relation to our work with vulnerable young children. We use rigorous and consistent recruitment approaches to help safeguard TACT’s young people. All our staff are expected to work in line with TACT’s safeguarding policies.

TACT does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

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Contact Detail:

TACT (The Adolescent & Childrens Trust) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Panel Member

✨Tip Number 1

Make sure to highlight your relevant experience during any informal conversations or networking opportunities. If you have a care experienced background or social work experience, share specific examples of how this has shaped your understanding of the fostering process.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with TACT's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to safeguarding and the importance they place on the welfare of children in care will help you align your discussions and demonstrate your passion for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Engage with current or former panel members if possible. They can provide insights into the panel's dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews or discussions about the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Be prepared to discuss your approach to diversity and anti-discriminatory practices. Given the nature of the role, showcasing your understanding and commitment to these issues will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Panel Member

Experience in fostering or residential care
Registered social worker qualification
IT literacy, particularly with Microsoft Teams
Strong analytical skills for reviewing documentation
Effective communication skills for panel discussions
Ability to make informed recommendations
Understanding of safeguarding policies and practices
Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice
Confidentiality and data protection awareness
Teamwork and collaboration skills
Flexibility to attend additional meetings as required
Passion for improving outcomes for children in care
Experience in policy and procedural advisory roles
Commitment to ongoing professional development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Panel Member. Familiarise yourself with TACT's mission and values, especially their commitment to safeguarding children in care.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience, particularly if you have a care experienced background or are a registered social worker. Emphasise any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to contribute to panel discussions and decision-making.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for fostering services and how your personal and professional experiences align with TACT's goals. Be specific about why you want to join the Fostering Panel and how you can make a difference.

Prepare for Online Meetings: Since the panel meets online, ensure you are comfortable using Microsoft Teams. Mention your IT literacy in your application and be prepared to discuss how you will engage effectively in virtual meetings.

How to prepare for a job interview at TACT (The Adolescent & Childrens Trust)

✨Know Your Background

Make sure to highlight your care experience or social work background during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how your personal experiences can contribute to the panel's discussions and decisions.

✨Familiarise Yourself with TACT's Values

Understand TACT's mission and values, especially their commitment to safeguarding children in care. This will help you align your answers with their expectations and demonstrate your passion for fostering services.

✨Prepare for Document Review

Since you'll be reading meeting documents before discussions, practice summarising key points from similar documents. This will show that you are proactive and ready to engage in meaningful discussions during the panel meetings.

✨Emphasise IT Literacy

As the role requires online meetings via Microsoft Teams, ensure you are comfortable using the platform. Mention any relevant experience you have with virtual meetings to reassure them of your technical skills.

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